Rosacea affects around 4 million in the UK and Ireland with another 4 million suffering pre-rosacea flushing and blushing. Sufferers often have fair skin and hair and often some celtic background but by no means exclusively. Symptoms range from recurrent blushing attacks, prolonged blushing to permanent red skin often associated with thread veins.



Many others exhibit eruptions of pustules & lumps, distorted tissue and even eye problems. Rosacea affects both sexes, but is three times more common in women. Men however often suffer more severely.

Rosacea often progresses from intermittent to persistent facial redness, with pimples without blackheads, and telangiectasia (red lines where the tiny blood vessels of the cheeks, nose, chin and forehead become quite prominent). Rosacea occurs in both men and women, and although it may occur at any age, onset usually begins after the age of 30.

People with rosacea often find that certain lifestyle and environmental factors trigger a flare-up or aggravate their individual conditions. Common triggers include certain foods (especially hot or spicy foods) and drink, (especially alcohol and caffeine), exercise, temperature changes, exposure to the sun, rain or wind, and stress.

Rosacea responds to treatment but cannot be cured. Left untreated, the redness becomes more permanent and the tiny blood vessels may become more visible. Pimples often develop and in a few people, especially older men, the nose may become bumpy, red and swollen (Rhinophyma).

Some of the symptoms of rosacea are outlined below.

Erythema (redness) that looks like flushing or blushing of the face or neck. The flushing occurs when the amount of blood which flows through your small blood vessels increases. The blood vessels then expand to accommodate this increased flow. The redness initially may come and go, but becomes more permanent as the condition progresses.

Telangiectasia (red lines) - many people also have enlarged blood vessels under the skin, which are noticeable as red lines, especially when the overall redness fades.

Facial burning, stinging or itching - flushing attacks can cause uncomfortable physical symptoms, such as facial burning, stinging or itching.

Oedema (facial swelling) - sometimes soft facial swelling may last for days when the erythema flares up. Persisting hard facial oedema can also occur.

Dome shaped small lumpy red pimples (papules) - the pimples of rosacea, which often occur as the condition progresses, are different from those of acne because blackheads and whiteheads are not present. Some of these pimples contain pus (pustules) and appear as small white bumps. Left untreated larger nodules can develop.

Problems affecting the eyes

Many people with rosacea develop problems which affect their eyes (ocular rosacea). Over 50% of people with rosacea develop eye problems, which can range from mild to severe. Eye problems are unlikely to develop in people taking antibiotic tablets for rosacea.

Eye problems for people with rosacea include:

- blepharitis, (inflamed, dry and crusty eyelids)

- conjunctivitis, (gritty feeling in your eyes)

More serious eye problems can arise if left untreated, including:

- iritis, (painful inflammation of the iris), and

- keratitis, (ulceration of the cornea).

In a few people with rosacea, especially older men, the nose becomes enlarged, bumpy, red or purple, and swollen (Rhinophyma).

As rosacea affects the face, it can be associated with anxiety and a lack of confidence, and may lead to psychological problems and depression.

The cause of rosacea is unclear, and there may be more than one cause. Tiny blood vessels under the skin of the face enlarge and dilate. These blood vessels may become hyper-sensitive to certain triggers.

It is believed that some people have a genetic predisposition to developing rosacea, as it tends to run in families.

Although treated with antibiotics, bacteria have not been proved to cause rosacea. Immune reactions in the skin may be involved. Women are more likely to get rosacea generally on the face, but men are more likely to get rhinophyma.

It is important to get a correct diagnosis as other skin disorders and illnesses may appear like rosacea. There are no specific tests for rosacea. The diagnosis is usually made by the appearance alone. No special tests are needed.